Pakistan Solar Calculator
Enter your electricity bill or monthly units. Get recommended system size, real PKR cost, monthly savings, and payback period. Honest math, no installer kickbacks.
| Line | Now (no solar) | After solar |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly consumption | 742 units | 0 units (net) |
| Self-generated | 0 units | 742 units |
| Exported to grid | — | 83 units |
| Effective tariff | Rs. 47.3/unit | — |
| Monthly bill | Rs. 35,065 | Rs. 0 |
| Annual bill | Rs. 420,780 | Rs. 0 |
Calculations use 2026 NEPRA residential tariffs (with surcharges), real Pakistani installer market rates, and city-specific sun-hour data. Net metering buy-back rate (Rs 19/unit) reflects the most recent NEPRA revision. Your real numbers depend on roof orientation, shading, equipment quality, and where you sit on the tariff slab. Get at least 3 installer quotes before committing.
What this calculator gets right (and where it's approximate)
We use real 2026 NEPRA residential tariffs including the surcharges (FPA, sales tax, TV fee) that turn the published Rs 47/unit slab into the ~Rs 58 you actually pay. We use real installer-quoted costs from Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. We use city-specific sun-hour averages, not generic country numbers.
What we approximate: your specific roof orientation, shading, equipment quality, and inverter efficiency. These factors can move real generation 10-20% in either direction. Treat the calculator output as the centre of a range, not a precise quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 5KW solar system cost in Pakistan in 2026?
An on-grid 5KW system typically costs PKR 725,000 to PKR 800,000 all-in (panels, inverter, structure, install, NOC, net-metering connection). Hybrid systems with partial battery backup run PKR 975,000 to PKR 1,100,000. Off-grid systems with full battery backup are PKR 1.4M+. Prices have dropped roughly 40% since 2022 due to falling panel costs and increased local competition.
How many units does a 1KW solar panel generate per month in Pakistan?
Depends on your city's sun hours. In Karachi (5.5 peak sun hours/day average), 1KW generates roughly 165 units/month. In Islamabad (5.0 sun hours), it generates about 150 units/month. Quetta is the best location at 5.7 sun hours. These are realistic annual averages — summer generation is 20-30% higher, winter 20-30% lower.
What is net metering and how much does Pakistan pay per unit?
Net metering lets you export surplus solar generation to the grid and get paid for it. As of the most recent NEPRA tariff revision, the buy-back rate is Rs 19/unit, down from earlier rates near Rs 27/unit. This change extended payback periods for new installs by 18-24 months. The math still works for high-tariff-slab consumers but is now marginal for low users.
Is solar still worth it in Pakistan after the net metering cut?
Yes, but only above a threshold. Households with bills above PKR 25,000/month (roughly 500+ units) have payback periods under 5 years and strong 25-year economics. Households with bills under PKR 15,000/month often see 7-10 year paybacks and may want to wait for further panel price drops or consider hybrid systems that prioritise self-consumption.
Should I get on-grid, hybrid, or off-grid solar?
On-grid is cheapest and economically optimal for households with reliable grid power and net metering available. Hybrid adds partial battery backup for outages and is increasingly popular in Karachi and Lahore where load-shedding is unpredictable. Off-grid is overkill for most households but useful for remote properties or buildings without reliable grid connection. Cost difference: on-grid = 1x, hybrid = 1.35x, off-grid = 2x.
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